Apple’s first foldable iPhone could become a major force in the foldable smartphone market faster than expected. According to market research firm TrendForce, the iPhone Duo is projected to capture 29.8% of the global foldable smartphone market in 2027, putting Apple in second place behind Samsung.
The forecast comes as early demand for the iPhone Duo appears strong, with delivery estimates on Apple’s website extending into January 2027 for some orders less than a week after preorders opened on October 16. But while brand appeal will help Apple succeed, display reliability and the long-term durability of its folding design remain key challenges.
Apple could challenge Samsung’s foldable dominance
In its latest report on the iPhone Duo’s launch and foldable display challenges, TrendForce estimates that Apple could ship around 5 million foldable iPhones in 2026, giving it approximately 24.8% of the market. Its 2027 projection raises Apple’s expected share to 29.8%.
Samsung is still expected to lead the market, although its projected share could decline from 35.1% in 2026 to 31.9% in 2027. Huawei’s share is also forecast to fall, from 24.8% to 21.3%.
The shift could make Apple one of the most influential players in a market long dominated by established Android foldable manufacturers.
The foldable market could rebound in 2027
TrendForce expects global foldable smartphone shipments to reach 23.5 million units in 2027, representing year-over-year growth of 16.3%. That would be a significant improvement over the just 0.5% growth TrendForce projected for 2026 in its previous forecast.
Apple’s entry could help revive demand by bringing foldable phones to a wider audience. Its integration of hardware, software, and developer tools may also give it an advantage as manufacturers compete to make larger foldable displays more useful for everyday multitasking.
Still, hurdles remain. TrendForce’s latest assessment highlights reports of damaged inner displays, potentially expensive repairs, and apps that do not fully adapt to the Duo’s unfolded screen. TrendForce also notes that Apple has replaced a small number of units with inner-display abnormalities. These issues could become defining factors in how consumers view the iPhone Duo in the long run.
Can Apple turn early demand into long-term success?
The iPhone Duo’s early market performance suggests that Apple could quickly become a serious competitor in foldable smartphones. But capturing nearly 30% of the market in 2027 remains a forecast, not a guaranteed outcome.
Ultimately, Apple’s success will depend on whether it can deliver a reliable folding display, improve app compatibility, and make its larger screen genuinely useful. If it gets those fundamentals right, the iPhone Duo could help push the foldable market beyond hardware experimentation and toward a more practical, multitasking-focused smartphone experience.
